The Alternative Las Vegas Travel Guide

It has more than its fair share of imitators, but there really is no other place on earth quite like Las Vegas.

This hub of entertainment and hedonism may be smack bang in the middle of the arid Nevada desert, but that doesn’t stop visitors flocking there from trying their luck in the casino or marveling at the musical Bellagio fountains.

Gaming and entertainment might be the hallmarks of Sin City, but Vegas is actually one of the most vibrant US cities to visit, with its rich arts and culture scenes, and plenty of upscale hotels and luxurious spas.

So, while Vegas more than deserves its reputation as the mecca of poker and a dream destination for high rollers, it’s possible to enjoy an exciting vacation in Las Vegas without needing to set foot inside a casino.

Let’s take a look at alternative things you can do around here.

Stay

When you visit Vegas, you really are spoilt for choice when it comes to luxury accommodation. But one of the hottest new hotels with the in-crowd at the moment is the ARIA Resort. Yes, there’s a full-fledged casino attached, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a hotel in Vegas that doesn’t have one.

ARIA is a true Vegas-style complex, thanks to the 24,000 square foot JEWEL nightclub within its walls. So you can dance the night away and party till dawn in the company of world-class DJs like Lil Jon and Steve Aoki.

On the accommodation front, go full-on VIP and splurge on one of the uniquely themed mezzanine suites. They may be pricey, but your every whim will be taken care of.

If you have a unique experience in mind, believe it or not, ARIA is actually one of the hotels in the city where you can indulge in high tea. What with an array of aromatic tea blends, champagne and caviar, green tea opera cakes, and modern spins on classic nibbles, an afternoon spent here is the full fantasy.

Pamper

Modern Vegas has some truly world-class spas, offering wellness retreats and opulent treatments. However, the Sahra Spa, Salon, and Hammam comes high up on Forbes’ Travel Guide list, and for good reason. With an array of treatments available, onsite Yoga and mindfulness classes, you’ll forget that you’re in one of the busiest cities in the States as all your cares melt away.

If you’re traveling with a group, it’s possible to rent out the spa’s Penthouse Suite, which features a private treatment room, whirlpool hot tubs, rainforest showers, and even its own private elevator.

Visit

Only in Las Vegas could you find a museum dedicated to neons! Illuminated signs have been a key feature of Sin City since the 1930s, and amongst the 2.27 acres of the Neon Museum, you’ll discover vintage signs preserved in all their glory.

General admission is available if you prefer to wander around solo, but it’s definitely worth opting for the guided tour. The guides here have all sorts of fascinating info to share about the history of these iconic signs, like the 80 foot Hard Rock Cafe guitar and those iconic Stardust letters.

During the night some of the better-conditioned signs get switched on, and there’s even a 30-minute documentary to watch – “Brilliant!” – which blends archival footage with a toe-tapping soundtrack.

Eat

While you’ll still find plenty of steakhouses and greasy spoon cafes dotted around the Strip, the culinary scene in Vegas has seriously evolved in recent years. From Michelin starred eateries, to fusion cuisine, and the hippest bars and restaurants in the region, there’s something for every palate.

For sheer elegance, book a table at Mizumi. This sleek eatery has its own otherworldly Japanese garden and even a koi pond. On the menu here you’ll find some of the finest dishes in Vegas.

Mizumi has a western dining room, a teppanyaki room, an area for sushi and sashimi and a robatayaki room. You could dine on successive nights and not eat the same thing twice.

If you prefer brasserie-style food, pick Bardot Brasserie. Headed up by the duo of Michael Mina and Joshua Smith – it’s a Vegas favorite. Providing a modern spin on French brasserie fare, like the delicious French onion soup with truffle, you’ll think you’ve stepped into a Parisian cafe when you walk through its doors.

So there it is, an alternative guide to Vegas that will keep you occupied for at least a week!

Related

Shannon Gurnee is the author of Redhead Mom formerly "The Mommy-Files", a national blog with a loyal following. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Marriage, Family, and Human Development with a Minor in Business Management. Shannon and her husband, Frank, have a large family with 6 awesome kids and love living on the Central Coast near San Luis Obispo, California, as well as traveling around the world. A full-time Social Media and Professional Blogger, Shannon also serves as a National Brand Ambassador for many well-known companies. Her blog focuses on motherhood, family fun activities, traveling, fashion, beauty, technology, wedding ideas and recipes while providing professional opinions on products, performances, restaurants, and a variety of businesses.